The Thailand Guides

Thailand Cuts India's Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days Under New Cabinet Rules

· 2 min read Travel News
International arrivals hall at a Thai airport

Contents

  1. What Changed and Why
  2. New Mandatory Digital Arrival Card
  3. Practical Implications for Visitors
  4. What To Do Before You Travel

Thailand’s cabinet approved a significant reduction in the visa-free stay period for Indian nationals on 14 July 2026, cutting the permitted duration from 60 days to 30 days. Five other nationalities are affected by the same measure: China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan.

The change is not yet in force. It must first be published in Thailand’s Royal Gazette, after which a further 15-day notice period applies before the new rules take effect.

What Changed and Why

The 60-day visa-free exemption for these six nationalities was introduced in 2024 as part of a push to increase inbound tourism. Thai authorities cited concerns about overstaying and the misuse of tourist exemptions as the primary reasons for reducing the ceiling. The visa-free access itself remains - only the maximum stay is being shortened from 60 to 30 days.

Travellers who need to stay longer than 30 days have two options: apply for a tourist visa (TR) through a Thai embassy or consulate before departure, or apply for a 30-day extension at a Thai immigration office once inside the country.

New Mandatory Digital Arrival Card

Separately from the visa duration change, Thailand is rolling out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for all international arrivals, replacing the paper TM6 immigration form. Every visitor - regardless of nationality or visa status - must complete the TDAC before boarding their flight to Thailand.

The TDAC records travel details, accommodation addresses, and biographical data. Thai authorities recommend completing it as close to departure as possible to ensure the information matches the journey being taken. Attempting to fill it in at the airport risks significant delays at immigration.

Practical Implications for Visitors

For most leisure travellers, a 30-day stay covers a thorough Thailand itinerary. A typical route might include several days in Bangkok at either end of the trip, time in Chiang Mai or the north, and a stretch in the south - whether on the Andaman coast around Phuket or the Gulf islands such as Koh Samui and Koh Tao.

Travellers who had booked or were planning stays of 30–60 days under the current rules should monitor the Royal Gazette publication date. If the trip falls after the new rules take effect, applying for a tourist visa before departure is the simplest way to ensure the full stay is covered without needing an in-country extension.

What To Do Before You Travel

  • Watch the Royal Gazette: the 30-day reduction is not yet law at the time of writing; the 60-day rule still applies
  • Complete the TDAC online before departure - the form should be available through the Thai immigration authority’s digital portal
  • Check visa requirements by nationality and learn about tourist visa applications in our Thailand practical guide

The cabinet decision signals a tightening of Thailand’s open-door visa posture, though the country remains one of the most accessible destinations in Southeast Asia for visitors from the affected nations.